Local motorsport fans and competitors alike were rocked by the news of two deaths this last weekend.
Veteran racer Curt Alchin (44) passed away in a racing accident at the Victory Raceway in Port Elizabeth. Alchin was awarded his National Colours in 2004 for outstanding success in international Oval Racing. But he is probably better known for his exploits in Production Car racing.
Among his impressive achievements were national championship titles including the 1995 Production Car Champion, 1999 Modified Saloons Champion, 2002 Standard 1600 Saloons Champion, 2005 Modified Saloons Dirt Champion, 2006 Modified Saloons 1600 Tar Champion.
Alchin was a very friendly, approachable competitor that was always went out of his way to help fellow racers.
Current Production Car racer Gennaro Bonafede was extremely complimentary when asked about the loss of Alchin: "He is an absolute legend. I raced Polo Cup against him and later Production Cars. He was just the nicest guy that was always willing with help with advice or logistics in PE and East London. We all referred to him as Dr block because he was very hard to overtake. He will really be missed by all the guys."
At another event in Pretoria a motorcycle competitor died at the Day of the Champion Motorcycle Circuit event at Zwartkops Raceway. 2011 Thunderbike B Class club champion Wim Pretorius (37) had an accident at turn 5 whilst participating in a Thunderbike race.